Question

Cyrus the Great allowed the Jewish people to return to Israel.
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Answer 1

Yes, that's correct. Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire, is known for his policy of tolerance and respect for the cultures and religions of the peoples he conquered. After conquering Babylon in 539 BCE, he issued the Edict of Cyrus, which allowed the Jewish exiles, who had been living in Babylon for several decades, to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple. This significant event is recorded in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the books of Ezra and Isaiah, and is seen as a pivotal moment in Jewish history, marking the beginning of the Second Temple period. Cyrus's decision is often celebrated for its impact on the Jewish diaspora and their connection to the land of Israel.